SUU reported shooter likely ‘swatting’ prank, college president says
CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Classes and activities on the Southern Utah University campus in Cedar City were brought to a sudden halt on Thursday when the school received reports of an active shooter.
Now, SUU President Mindy Benson is saying the calls were most likely swatting calls.
BACKGROUND: SUU lifts lockdown following reported active shooter scare
Benson explained in a Friday morning post to social media that swatting is a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring a large number of armed police officers to a particular address. In 2023, the FBI launched a national swatting database saying the form of prank call has become more common nationwide.
The call shut down SUU and sent a scare throughout campus as police responded to the scene. After hours of sweeping the campus, and clearing the college building-by-building, SUU Police confirmed there was no sign of a shooter and no shots fired.
Classes were then canceled for the remainder of the day.
“As I sat in the Command Center and watched the many different agencies work together, I was struck by the dedication and goodness of everyone who answered the call to help,” Benson said. “Thank you isn’t enough to cover our gratitude to each agency who responded and in particular, SUU Police Chief Carlos Medina. Thanks to his leadership and the entire team in bringing about a successful resolution.”
Activity and classes resumed on campus on Friday, April 12. Mental health resources were made available on campus for the students and faculty affected by the stress of the events.
“Yesterday was impactful, and it’s important each of us address what that impact is and resolve it in healthy ways,” said Benson. “Check on each other, reach out to friends, and campus community members and be sure to connect with needed resources.”
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Benson said the SUU Police Department is still continuing its investigation. There has been no update regarding a potential suspect.
Earlier this year, Utah lawmakers enhanced the penalties for threatening or falsely reporting an emergency at a school. The new law, which goes into effect on May 1, makes it a second-degree felony, up from a third-degree felony. A second-degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years in state prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
If the culprit is found to be a student, that student will be suspended or expelled from the public school.
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